Flycatchers
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Flycatchers

Flycatchers of the Tyrant Family (all those on the List) are similar in appearance. Sibley (The Sibley Field Guide to Birds) says "Plumage and structure can be so similar among species within the various genera that voice is the primary field mark." The National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America says about the Empidonax Flycatchers (all but the Pewee on the list): "All are drab, with pale eye rings and wing bars. Identification depends on voice, habitat, behavior, and subtle differences in size, bill shape, primary projection, and tail length." Since flycatchers are mostly solitary birds, it is difficult to compare size, bill shape and tail length when you see a flycatcher perching for a second and then flying out to grab a mosquito or moth.
So, I know that these are flycatchers, but I can't say what kind they are. The Sibley Guides can help with these identifications.
flycatcher 9 small graphic
flycatcher 10 small graphic
flycatcher 12 small graphic

They are all the same bird, if that helps.

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